October 2024

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that can be difficult to treat. Traditional conservative treatments, such as antifungal medications and topical solutions, often require lengthy durations and may not deliver satisfactory results. In contrast, toenail laser treatment offers a promising alternative. This innovative approach utilizes focused light to target and eliminate fungal organisms without damaging surrounding tissue. Clinical studies indicate that laser treatment can significantly reduce fungal presence and promote healthy nail regrowth more effectively than more conservative methods. Additionally, laser treatment typically involves fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time. While results may vary depending on the severity of the infection, many patients report improvement after just one or two sessions. For those struggling with persistent toenail fungus, laser treatment presents a compelling option to consider for achieving lasting results. If you have developed this unsightly condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is right for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Dr. Gerald Perelman from Ohio. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wilmington, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and ankle injuries are common in weight lifting, often resulting from improper technique, inadequate footwear, or insufficient foot strength. When lifting heavy weights, the feet play a critical role in providing stability and balance. Weak foot muscles can lead to misalignment, increasing the risk of sprains or strains. Strengthening the feet enhances overall stability, allowing for better control during lifts and reducing the chance of injury. Additionally, a strong foundation helps distribute weight evenly, alleviating stress on the ankles and preventing overuse injuries. Incorporating foot-strengthening exercises into a training routine, such as toe raises and resistance band movements, can significantly improve performance and reduce injury risk. Foot and ankle injuries often require a temporary pause from weight lifting to ensure proper healing. If you have sustained this type of injury, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment methods so you can return to weight lifting with ease.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Gerald Perelman from Ohio. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wilmington, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Webbed toes, or syndactyly, occur when two or more toes are fused together due to incomplete separation during fetal development. This condition is largely congenital but in some cases can form without a known cause. Webbing can vary from a simple fusion of skin and soft tissue to a more complex connection involving bones or joints. Webbed toes do not always affect function or mobility, but surgical correction may be considered if there is pain, limited movement, or for cosmetic reasons. The surgical approach depends on the severity and type of fusion involved. Recovery may include casting and bracing to promote proper healing. A podiatrist can evaluate the extent of the toe webbing and provide guidance on surgical options if needed. Early intervention can ensure better outcomes and reduce potential complications. If your child has a toe deformity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Gerald Perelman of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wilmington, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Hiking can put significant stress on your toes, especially when going down steep trails. The repeated impact of your foot sliding forward and striking the front of your shoes can result in pain, blisters, and even bruised toenails. To protect your toes during hikes, it is important to wear properly fitted shoes that are ideally a half-size larger to allow for swelling. The so-called heel lock technique involves lacing shoes tightly around the ankle. This helps to keep the heel in place, thereby preventing the foot from sliding forward in your shoe. Maintaining well-trimmed toenails and using moisture-wicking socks can reduce friction and prevent blisters. Additionally, trekking poles can redistribute your body weight, which lessens the pressure on your toes, particularly during downhill hikes. If left untreated, toe pain from hiking may lead to more serious issues, including joint dysfunction or gait changes. If you experience toe pain after hiking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Gerald Perelman of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wilmington, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A foot stress fracture, often referred to as a hairline fracture, is a small crack in the bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse. This type of injury typically occurs in the metatarsals, the long bones in the middle of the foot. Common symptoms include localized pain that worsens with activity, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. The pain may initially be mild but can intensify with continued use. Stress fractures are often caused by activities that involve high-impact or repetitive force, such as running or jumping. Factors such as sudden increases in activity, improper footwear, and having inadequate bone strength can contribute to their development. A stress fracture that occurs in the foot can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have developed this type of injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Gerald Perelman from Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wilmington, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.